Port Lavaca petition may keep out new Applebee's

By Craig Hlavaty |
July 11, 2013

The proposed Port Lavaca Applebee's is still in limbo as the coastal town's city secretary has received 200 certified signatures contesting a plan that would bring the restaurant chain there, according to the Victoria Advocate.

In June, the story of Applebee's making inroads into Port Lavaca only to be met with public outcry made for curious fodder. Residents decried the "club atmosphere" they believe will come with the restaurant serving alcohol past midnight, while other more open-minded residents were excited for the positive economic impact.

The opening of Applebee's is dependent upon a new ordinance passed to extend the sale of alcohol until 2 a.m., which is what brought all the trouble.

The restaurant chain bought land in town for future use and City Manager Bob Turner told the Advocate in June that the business could bring in 50 to 60 jobs.

Pastor Kevin LeVrier, with Freedom House Assembly of God, came out against the ordinance and collected enough signatures to have it repealed by city council. If it is not repealed, it will be suspended until a special citywide election Nov. 5, which will cost the city up to $10,000, Turner told the Advocate.

LeVrier told the Advocate in June that the main reason for his opposition to the ordinance is alcohol abuse.